John Higgins lost 17-15 to Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship on May 3, 2026. This match marks a potential turning point for Higgins as he celebrates his 51st birthday this month.
Higgins has been a prominent figure in snooker, having been seeded at every World Championship since 1996. However, he now faces uncertainty regarding his future in the sport. He stated that if his ranking falls outside the top 16, he anticipates retiring from professional snooker.
The Crucible Theatre will continue to host the World Championship until 2045, but renovations are expected to begin post-2028. Higgins expressed doubt about returning to compete at the Crucible after those renovations.
Shaun Murphy described their match as exhausting yet exhilarating, highlighting Higgins’ enduring talent. “What a player, what a man. The harder it gets, the better he seems to play,” Murphy remarked.
Despite his long career and numerous accolades—including multiple Triple Crown titles—Higgins finds it difficult to accept the prospect of qualifying for major tournaments. “I don’t think I can see myself having to qualify for big events,” he admitted.
As one of the snooker legends, Higgins has left an indelible mark on the sport. His potential retirement could signify the end of an era in professional snooker.